Dangerously

Zeff

I sat in my study, the clock ticking away the late hours of the night. The room was dimly lit, the shadows from the lone lamp casting long, wavering lines across the stacks of documents spread out before me. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me.

Josh stood in front of my desk, his expression serious, his voice steady as he went through the latest patrol reports. "There's been some unusual activity beyond our borders," he said, his brow furrowed in concern. "The Brogans' territory, next to ours in Idaho, reported seeing shadows moving—something unnatural. They're keeping a close watch, but whatever it is, it's not something they've encountered before."

I felt a prickle of unease run down my spine. Shadows moving. That could mean any number of things, none of them good. "And what do they think it is?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm, though my wolf was pacing restlessly within me.

Josh shook his head. "They're not sure. Could be vampires, could be something else. But they're on high alert. They've tightened their patrols, just like we have."

I nodded, my mind racing. "We need to keep our lines of communication open with the Brogans. We can't afford to be caught off guard."

Josh agreed, his eyes flicking over the map of our territory pinned to the wall behind me. "Absolutely. I'll make sure our patrols are coordinated with theirs, just in case."

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk, my fingers steepled in front of my lips. "And what about William?" I asked, my voice a low growl. Just the mention of his name made my blood simmer with anger.

Josh hesitated for a moment before answering. "He left the reservoir a few days ago," he said carefully. "But he's been sighted in the metropolitan area near the east."

My heart skipped a beat, my anger flaring into full-blown rage. The east. Where Liliam lived. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

Josh, sensing my growing impatience, remained calm. "Given what we know about him, he could be trying to get close to her again. We've already seen how he's trying to lay his claim."

I stood up abruptly, my chair scraping against the wooden floor. "God dammit," I said, annoyed. "He's relentless. She's not safe as long as he's around."

Josh nodded, understanding the urgency in my tone. He knew what Liliam meant to me, what she represented. "Is Shadow ready?" I asked, my mind already forming a plan.

"Yes," Josh replied without hesitation. "He's been training hard. He's young, but he's got potential. And he's eager to prove himself."

"Good," I said, my voice clipped. "Send him to Liliam. Have him watch over her. I want him to report any suspicious activity immediately."

Josh bowed his head slightly. "As you command, Alpha."

I watched as he turned and left the room, my mind still racing. The thought of William being so close to Liliam, lurking in her territory, filled me with a sense of dread I couldn't shake. I knew William—his ambitions, his desire to take what wasn't his. And I knew he wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.

As the door clicked shut behind Josh, I sat back down, my mind whirling with possibilities. I couldn't let my guard down.I had to protect her, no matter what. I had to keep her safe.

And I would. Even if it meant facing William head-on. Even if it meant fighting to the death.

Liliam

My mind was a tangled mess, replaying the events of the past few nights over and over again. I couldn't shake the feeling of confusion, the mix of emotions swirling inside me. The dream—or was it something more?—with Zeff had left me feeling raw, exposed, and uncertain about everything. And then there was Owen, who seemed different, more attentive, but also… off.

I walked into my usual coffee shop, hoping the familiar routine would clear my head. The comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I was so lost in thought that I almost didn't hear the bell above the door chime as I walked in.

"Morning, sunshine."

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the sound of his voice. I looked up sharply to see William standing there, his expression a mixture of amusement and something darker. My heart leapt into my throat, and I instinctively took a step back, remembering the altercation from the other night, the raw violence, the magic… everything.

"What are you doing here?" I managed to ask, my voice shaky despite my best efforts to keep it steady.

William's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Just passing by," he said smoothly. "Thought I'd check in on my mate."

"I am not your mate," I retorted, my voice firmer this time. I tried to sound confident, but the tension in the air was palpable. The way he looked at me sent chills down my spine. His eyes darkened, his features hardening, and before I could react, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist in a firm, almost bruising grip.

"Don't play games with me, Liliam," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You belong to me. You just don't realize it yet."

Fear shot through me, and I tried to pull my hand away, but his grip only tightened. "Let go of me," I demanded, my heart racing. "Now!"

His eyes bored into mine, a predatory gleam flickering in their depths. "You can't deny the bond forever," he whispered, leaning in closer. "You feel it just as much as I do."

His other hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were nearly touching. I could feel his breath against my ear, warm and unsettling. A strange sensation rippled through me—an electric current that made my skin tingle and my pulse quicken. It was eerily similar to the feeling I had with Zeff, but there was something darker about it, something that sent a shiver down my spine.

William's lips grazed the shell of my ear, his teeth brushing lightly against my skin. I could feel his breath, hot and uneven, against my neck. There was a hunger there, a desperate need that seemed to radiate from him, wrapping around me like a dark, suffocating fog.

A low growl escaped his throat, the sound rumbling through his chest and vibrating against me. His lips moved lower, brushing against my neck, and I felt a sharp, tingling sensation shoot through my body. My heart pounded in my chest, my breathing shallow and erratic. His grip on my waist tightened, and I could feel the tension in his muscles, the way his body trembled with restrained desire.

I wanted to push him away, to scream at him to stop, but something held me in place. The heat of his body, the intensity in his eyes—it was overwhelming, confusing, pulling me in even as every instinct screamed at me to run. His teeth grazed my skin again, more insistent this time, and I felt a strange, primal pulse beneath my skin, a deep-seated urge that was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"Stop," I managed to whisper, my voice barely more than a breath. "William, stop…"

He didn't listen, his grip on me tightening even further. His lips found my neck, his breath hot against my skin. I felt his teeth press harder, almost breaking the skin, and a wave of panic surged through me. I had to get away, had to escape whatever dark spell he was trying to weave around me.

"Please," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "Let me go…"

For a moment, he hesitated, his grip loosening slightly. I could see the conflict in his eyes, a struggle between the predatory instinct that wanted to claim and the human side that still held some semblance of control. But just as quickly, the predatory gleam returned, and his hold on me tightened again.

"Leave Ma alone!"

The unexpected voice made us both freeze. I turned to see Shadow standing there, his small frame tense, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. My heart clenched seeing him there, trying to protect me, despite his size and age.

William's gaze shifted to Shadow, and his grip loosened slightly. "And what are you going to do, little one?" he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think you can protect her from me?"

Shadow's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity that seemed almost out of place for a child. "I'll do whatever it takes," he said firmly, his voice steady and strong.

I felt a surge of pride and worry in equal measure. "Shadow, it's okay," I tried to reassure him, but my own voice shook. "Stay back."

William's smile turned into a sneer. "I see," he said softly, almost to himself. "So the little pup thinks he's a guardian now."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, my mind racing for a way out of this situation. "Let go, William," I said again, my voice as calm as I could make it. "Or you'll regret it."

William looked at me, his eyes darkening with a dangerous glint. "And what if I don't?" he challenged.

Before I could respond, Shadow moved with surprising speed. He stepped in front of me and grabbed William's forearm, his tiny hands trying to pull him away. But William was faster. In a flash, he seized Shadow's arm and twisted it sharply, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

Shadow gasped in pain, his face contorting with shock and hurt. A surge of anger, hotter than anything I'd ever felt, rushed through me. "Leave him alone!" I shouted, stepping forward and shoving William with all my strength.

William staggered back slightly, caught off guard by the force of my push. For a brief moment, his eyes flickered with surprise, a hint of something almost human peeking through the dangerous facade. I quickly stepped in front of Shadow, shielding him with my body, my heart pounding in my chest. Every instinct screamed at me to protect him, to keep him safe from whatever William was planning.

"I won't let you hurt him," I said, my voice low and firm, though I could feel the tremor in my hands. I tried to hold my ground, to appear strong even though fear coursed through me like ice water.

William's lips curled into a smirk, a dark, mocking smile that sent a chill down my spine. He leaned back slightly, relaxing his stance, but his eyes never left mine. "All right, honey," he drawled, his tone dripping with false sweetness. "I'll let you be… for now."

He took a step back, his gaze shifting briefly to Shadow, who stood defiantly at my side, his small frame trembling with a mix of fear and determination. William's smirk widened as if he found the whole situation amusing, and I felt a surge of anger flare up inside me.

"Just remember," William added, his voice taking on a more serious, almost threatening edge, "You're mine, Liliam. You'll realize that soon enough."

He turned on his heel and walked away, his presence still looming in the air long after he disappeared around the corner. I felt my knees go weak, and I sank down, pulling Shadow into a protective hug. My heart was still racing, adrenaline pumping through my veins, but I forced myself to take deep, steady breaths, trying to calm my shaking hands.

Shadow looked up at me, his eyes wide and frightened. "Ma," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I don't like him."

I hugged him tighter, pressing my cheek against his soft hair. "I know, Shadow," I whispered back, my voice barely steady. "But what are you doing here? How can you try to face him like that?"

Shadow hesitated for a moment, glancing down as if unsure how to answer. "But Alpha sent me—"

"Zeff put you up to this?!" I cut him off, a surge of anger and disbelief washing over me. How could Zeff involve Shadow in something so dangerous? I pulled back slightly, searching Shadow's face for answers.

Shadow opened his mouth to speak but then stopped, his eyes widening with realization. He looked guilty, like he'd just let something slip that he wasn't supposed to. His gaze darted around, avoiding mine, and I could see the conflict in his eyes—the loyalty he felt to Zeff, mixed with the worry he had for me.

"Shadow…" I whispered, my voice softening. "What aren't you telling me?"

He glanced up at me, his eyes filled with worry. "Alpha wanted me to protect you, Ma," he finally admitted, his voice barely more than a whisper. "He knew William might come looking for you."

I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me—fear, anger, confusion. "But you're just a kid, Shadow. You shouldn't have to deal with this. You shouldn't be put in the middle of…this."

"I wanted to help," Shadow said earnestly, his small hands clutching the fabric of my shirt. "I don't want anything to happen to you. You're my Luna… my Ma."

His words tugged at my heart. Shadow's devotion was so pure, so unyielding. He was trying to be brave, to protect me in the only way he knew how. It was impossible not to feel a surge of love and protectiveness for him. This was my Shadow, my little guardian.

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Alright," I said softly, my voice firm. "I'll have a word with this Alpha of yours." The idea of Zeff involving Shadow in something so dangerous filled me with a mix of frustration and concern. I needed to understand what was going on, why Zeff thought it was a good idea to send a child into harm's way.

Shadow looked up at me, his eyes wide and worried. "Don't be mad at him, Ma," he pleaded softly. "He just wants to keep you safe too. He didn't mean for me to get hurt."

I sighed, feeling a wave of conflicting emotions. " But sending you out here… it's not right. You're just a kid, and you shouldn't have to deal with this. I will talk to him, in the meantime," I added trying to change the subject. "Are you hungry?"

Shadow's stomach growled at the mention of food, and he looked up at me with a sheepish grin. "A little," he admitted, his earlier fear fading away in the face of his hunger.

I couldn't help but smile at his honesty. "Alright, let's get you something to eat," I said, ruffling his hair gently. "Come on, let's see what we can find."

_____

I could feel it before I even saw them—the unmistakable swirl of anger, an intensity that wasn't my own but resonated deep in my bones. As I stepped into the office, the unease gnawed at me, my wolf restless under my skin. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

When I looked up, I saw them: Liliam, striding in with purpose, her face a thunderous mask of fury, and Shadow trailing just a step behind, looking worried. The tension radiating off Liliam was almost palpable, and it took me a moment to process the sight. She had never looked so furious before.

She walked with a determination that made my stomach knot, her every step echoing the simmering rage I felt in my gut. Was it from her? It had to be. But what the hell happened to make her this angry?

My gaze followed her as she crossed the room, her bag slamming down onto the desk beside mine with a loud thud. The sound made a few heads turn, but she ignored the curious stares, her attention solely focused on Shadow. She pointed to a row of empty desks a few feet away, her gesture firm and direct. "Sit there, Shadow," she ordered, her voice steady but laced with a tension that sent a shiver down my spine.

Shadow, looking a bit uneasy, did as he was told, his small frame settling into one of the chairs. His eyes darted to me briefly, filled with a mix of concern and apology. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the kid. He had no idea what was happening either.

Liliam turned back toward me, and I swear, for a moment, the entire room went cold. She walked up to my desk, her gaze locked onto mine, and I felt completely disarmed. The intensity in her eyes was something I hadn't seen before—an anger so raw, so unfiltered, that it left me momentarily speechless.

She stopped right in front of me, and I could feel the heat radiating from her, a storm contained within a fragile human frame. I swallowed hard, trying to gather my thoughts, but my brain seemed to be moving through molasses. Her presence was overwhelming, her fury practically tangible. My wolf inside me was on edge, unsure whether to cower or confront.

"Liliam," I began, my voice surprisingly steady despite the storm raging inside me. "What—"

"What the hell were you thinking?" she cut me off, her voice low but sharp enough to slice through steel. Her words hit me like a slap, and I blinked, taken aback by the intensity of her tone. "Sending Shadow to me without telling me anything? Without any warning?"

"I was trying to keep you safe," I managed to say, my own voice barely a whisper. I could feel my wolf pacing inside me, torn between guilt and defensiveness. "I thought he'd be able to protect you."

Her eyes blazed with fury. "He's a child, Zeff! A child! And you put him in harm's way!"

I opened my mouth to respond, but she didn't give me a chance. "Do you have any idea what could have happened? What almost happened?" Her voice wavered slightly, and I could see the fear behind her anger, the worry that had been simmering beneath the surface.

My wolf's growl rumbled deep within my chest, a low, menacing sound that echoed the rage building inside me. "What almost happened?" I demanded, my voice a sharp edge. Her gaze faltered, the fury in her eyes wavering, replaced by a flicker of fear.

I turned to Shadow, his small form sitting quietly at the desk a few feet away, his head bowed, his shoulders slumped. "What happened, Shadow?" I mind-linked him, my voice calm but firm, needing to know, needing to understand the full extent of the situation.

There was a pause, a brief hesitation in his mind. *William tried to...* Shadow's voice was faint, almost a whisper in my mind. *Mark her.

The words hit me like a sledgehammer. My head snapped back to Liliam, my eyes immediately drawn to the faint red marks on her neck, barely visible but unmistakable. Fury surged through me, hot and blinding, the thought of William's fangs so close to her skin igniting a primal rage deep within. My wolf snarled, ready to tear through anything, anyone, who dared to harm her.

But before I could move, before I could turn to unleash the fury burning inside me, Liliam was faster. Her hand shot out, gripping my forearm with surprising strength, her fingers digging into my skin. "No," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the red haze clouding my mind. "Don't. Not here. Not now."

I could feel the tremor in her touch, the tension in her grip. Her eyes were locked onto mine, wide and pleading, a silent plea for calm. My wolf, still growling and pacing within me, was reluctant, unwilling to back down, but her gaze held me, grounded me.

"Liliam," I growled, trying to keep my voice steady, though the anger was still simmering just beneath the surface. "He tried to—"

"I know," she interrupted, her voice firmer now, her grip tightening on my arm as if she could somehow hold back the storm brewing inside me. "But this isn't the way, Zeff. Not here."

Her words pierced through the haze, pulling me back from the brink. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on her face, on the fear and concern etched across her features. She wasn't just angry; she was scared—scared for me, scared of what might happen if I lost control.

I could feel the tension slowly leaving my body, my wolf reluctantly retreating, though the anger still simmered in my veins. I nodded, my jaw clenched, trying to rein in the fury still burning inside me. "Alright," I said, my voice low, barely more than a growl. "But this isn't over, Liliam. Not by a long shot."

She nodded, her eyes softening slightly, her hand still gripping my arm. "I know," she whispered. "But please, Zeff… we need to be smart about this."

I took another deep breath, trying to steady myself, my eyes never leaving hers. "I'll be smart," I promised, my voice still rough with the effort of holding back. "But I'm not going to let him get away with this."

She gave a small nod, her eyes still filled with worry, but there was a glimmer of trust there, a faint spark that helped ease the fire within me. "Thank you," she whispered, her hand slowly releasing my arm.

I turned my gaze to Shadow, who was still sitting quietly, his head bowed, his shoulders tense. "And you," I said, my voice gentler now, though still firm. "We'll talk later. You did well, but next time, you come straight to me. Understand?"

Shadow nodded, his eyes lifting to meet mine, a mix of apology and determination in his gaze. "Yes, Alpha," he replied softly, his voice steady, though there was a slight tremor there.